So the Rays are on the cusp of blowing it! Unless?
by Japhei on Sep 9, 2008 11:29 AM EDT
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I do not like to write negative things about my team but it seems like the injury bug has bitten us right in the behind with no time to spare. Losing Carl Crawford, Evan Longoria, and now B.J. Upton has killed us offensively. No one can get anything done defensively and currently our best offensive player is Jason Bartlett and he has 1 home run this year. I am starting to second guess the front office now because they could of traded some of those arms they have stashed in AAA for someone who could of helped this team. Clearly everyone in our system is better then anything the RED SOX or YANKEES gave up! I hope Longoria starts hitting soon or we are going into the Wild card (MAYBE) and may lose a chance at homefield advantage. Clearly something we do is take advantage of teams at home and that would ride us nice into the World Series. This might be our best chance to save baseball in this miserable town. I know we could treat the ballplayers alot better and drive out there and support this team
. I grew up around Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, Cal Ripken Jr. and many other Oriole greats they played the game the right way and Cal barely missed a game as the IRON MAN. Fans packed Memorial stadium in the 80's and Camden yard in the 90's to see them play even though they sucked 1985-1997. My grand father worked for the Orioles and HTS Home Team sports many years ago as a program director and covered world series games as well as Colts games before they bolted Baltimore which hurt alot but thats another story. I am a transplant and have been here since 1985 and love the Rays with all my heart. I was there for the inaugural season I still wear my 1998 Devil Rays shirt in public even though its too small for me. I love this team with all my heart even more then my former beloved Orioles. I wish nothing more then for them to beat Boston tonight. But if they cannot do that our chances of a AL championship and perhaps a World Series are over!
Basically my rant is this it is ALL OR NOTHING TONIGHT. WE MUST DEFEAT BOSTON OR ELSE.
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No I have seen this team suffer
I have seen quality starts out of several pitchers. Our pitching is excellent. The fact we are playing Zobrist or Ruggiano at all is a joke.
They need to call up Gomes now we have a .5 lead that could be a deficit by the end of the night.
We had a 5.5 game lead about a week ago and have suffered losses 6 out of the last 7 games.
Not to mention some of the best young talent offensively and defensively in baseball. I am talking top of the line dynamic players with skill that rivals HOF class players.
I think we have something to worry about.
Devil Rays World Series 2009
by Japhei on Sep 9, 2008 11:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
But if they cannot do that our chances of a AL championship and perhaps a World Series are over!
Except that new wild card thing would still give us a playoff spot.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 9, 2008 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bj Upton= Willie Mays Defensively and Bobby Bonds Offensively
Evan Longoria= Mike Schmidt Defensively and Offensively
Carl Crawford= Devon White Offensively and Barry Bonds in his prime Defensively
Devil Rays World Series 2009
by Japhei on Sep 9, 2008 11:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They are good this might be an exaggeration, but they are good
And we will have all 3 for the playoffs, Good Lord Willing. It seems like everyone is crapping their pants, but we played so well last month that we can coast a little bit. I would rather play the Angels in the Divisional Series as we match up better with a plus pitching team than a plus batting team.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
by Sandy Kazmir on Sep 9, 2008 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know the Wild Card would give us a spot The problem is that I would prefer a division title. We should of had it sewed up with a 5.5 game lead.
Devil Rays World Series 2009
by Japhei on Sep 9, 2008 11:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Umm Boston is a really good team.
This is September and it’s not supposed to be easy. Boston is getting healthy and may have found a real good arm in Lester. We are really good as well, but it is no slight to come in second to them if that seemingly unreal possibility comes true.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
by Sandy Kazmir on Sep 9, 2008 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2nd pace is the first loser
Winning the division with a David against the Goliaths mentality would send a shockwave throughout not just baseball but internatinally in sports that a team with a low payroll can develop and sign scrap yard players and compete in this leage of 100 million team payrolls and in some cases 200 million dollar ones (The Yankees).
It is a must win for Baseball in Tampa Bay.
Devil Rays World Series 2009
by Japhei on Sep 9, 2008 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well internationally
the only sport that is cared about is soccer and you routinely see teams with huge payrolls in it. Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool, Aresnal, Chelsea, Bayern Munchen, all have high payrolls because they play in a sport where there is no salary cap and their teams still make money as near as I can tell. If you can still make a profit why not have a high payroll. MLB gives each team quite a bit of money and is a prime reason why Naimoli had a nice ROI each year regardless of where we finished or if you went to the game or not.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
by Sandy Kazmir on Sep 9, 2008 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
David vs Goliath
Lets get real here… the Rays have lots of young talent because they’ve come in last for the past ten years. When these guys become free agents, most will move on. Maybe the Rays will fill that new stadium but that seems unlikely. Without the revenue, you remain David.
by newenglandfootballfan on Sep 9, 2008 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And without Brady you might as well not even play the game.
Apparently I keeps it realer.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
by Sandy Kazmir on Sep 9, 2008 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the Rays have lots of young talent because they’ve come in last for the past ten years.
Except this team is built through trades and free agency and not the draft. Rays first round picks on the team: Upton. Longoria, Baldelli.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 9, 2008 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2nd place is the first loser
Nobody should say this ever again. Never. I whipe my ass with No Fear shirts.
by kericr on Sep 9, 2008 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem is that you would prefer a division title?
Not really seeing how that’s a problem for the Rays.
by rays1234 on Sep 9, 2008 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Japhei... come down off that ledge !
Hey man… the Rays are in a funk but the season is not lost…… yet . Your team is solid and the wins will come. The Sox obviously want the Division, no one wants to go out west to meet the Angels. I do agree with you about tonight… the Rays really need this one. With a refreshed Beckett going tomorrow, it will be tough for Tampa to get that one.
Don’t jump yet… the Rays may right the ship and take the W/C, in any case, your team has had a great year… a tear to build on. One thing though… no more first picks in the draft for Tampa. If you think about it, the Rays are the team that was built by being consistantly terrible. Those days are gone, now the Rays gotta go out and play.
by newenglandfootballfan on Sep 9, 2008 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Where do I begin?!?!?!
The Rays have run into some excellent pitching in 5 of the 6 losses. If you need a refresher, that’s Mussina(6 IP, 8K), Halladay(7 IP, 7K), Marcum(7IP, 7K, 0R), Purcey(8 IP, 7K, 0R), and Lester(7.2 IP, 9K). If you recall, Garza ran into some tough breaks against the Yankees, and the offense had 12 hits. EJ couldn’t get it together in game 2, and the offense had 8 hits. Kaz and the BP had 8 shutout innings in game 3 before Hammertime tried to sabotage the whole thing. Versus the Blue Jays, Sonny went 6 innings and gave up the 4 runs on 5H & 1BB, and the offense scored 4 on 10 hits. Shield was good in game 2, going 8 innings, but Overbay owned him. Garza went 7 innings with 7K in game 2 and the lone run for the Jays was scored on a damn sac fly. EJ was off in the 1st inning last night, but he pulled it togther to go 7 innings with 6K & 2BB. He gave up 5 hits from the 2nd -7th innings and allowed no more runs. The Rays should have swept the Yankees on paper, but the breaks just didn’t go their way. They blew opportunities to win all 3 in Toronto and the game last night, but the opposing pitchers got out of the jams they were in. The team is not collapsing or folding or choking. They have injury issues that have forced some backups into play, and they have run into great pitching. It is not the end of the world. They can win in NY. They can beat the Sux and the Twins at the Trop. They still have Baltimore and Detroit on the schedule to finish out the last 8 games of the season. The Rays will be fine. This thing will go down to the wire in the AL East, and in the end, you will see that they will be in the playoffs, even if it is as the WC. Now, everybody please step back from the ledge for the umpteenth time this season.
“This might be our best chance to save baseball in this miserable town.”
Do you need direction to the airport or I75? If it’s so miserable, you can always leave.
by rayweaver on Sep 9, 2008 1:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
in the beginning
Your confidence is high but, the reality is the Reys are in freefall. If Tampa Bay loses tonight, it’s a sweep for Boston (no way the Reys beat Beckett in the finally) with the Sox going up by a game & a half. The Reys travel next to the Stadium for 3 games and despite NY’s problems this season the Yanks will play tough. Then its home to the Trop to face the Sox again for 3 (will Sox fans outnumber Reys fans?) and the Twins for 4 (both teams with great motivation to win). Tampa finishes up the regular season with road games to Baltimore (3) they suck & Detriot (4) not much better. The Reys may very well have to sweep that final series vs the Tigers to earn the wild card.
The Red Sox get Toronto at Fenway for 3, then travel to Tampa and complete their road games vs Toronto (3). The Sox finish the regular season at home vs the Indians(4) and the Yanks(3).
I’d love to see the Reys go out to Anaheim to play the Angels… hell I’d be happy if they beat ’em.
by newenglandfootballfan on Sep 9, 2008 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
RJA
Just a play on raywearver’s cute ploy: calling the Sox… the Sux. Is rayweaver a troll too ?
by newenglandfootballfan on Sep 9, 2008 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Freefall?
Really? A freefalling team is one with a lot of problems. So far, the only problem this last week has been the clutch hitting with RISP. They’ve already done the 7-game losing streak thing, and they know they can come back and win without key players.
by rayweaver on Sep 9, 2008 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
problems
Well, maybe not but, the Rays may very well leave Boston having lost 8 of their last 9 games with a pretty good chance of finishing this road trip with 2 wins & 10 losses. After getting beat up on the road, they go home to face the Red Sox and the Twins.
I too expect them to re-group and play their way out of this slump. The Sox are finally getting healty which bodes well for October baseball in Boston.
by newenglandfootballfan on Sep 9, 2008 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Toronto
You mean the team that is in the midst of an 8-game winning streak. Good luck with that one buddy. I full expect you guys to continue to fail miserably at the Trop an exotic location where you have failed to win a game this year. This is Boston’s last gasp and when we take the rest of this series as well as the next one you will get to know what a death rattle looks like.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
by Sandy Kazmir on Sep 9, 2008 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I also believe the Jays
also started that winning streak by sweeping the Red Sox 3 straight too if I am not mistaken.
by PewterPirate55 on Sep 9, 2008 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PP55
You go ahead and root for the Jays.
In the mean time…. WHEN WILL THE RAYS STOP LOSING ???
by newenglandfootballfan on Sep 9, 2008 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure, but being in first sucks.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 9, 2008 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
tonight
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
by Sandy Kazmir on Sep 9, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's the spirit...
I agree, the Rays had best stop losing tonight.
I wonder which Kazmir will show up tonight ? The Sox will make him put the ball over… make him throw a lot of pitches, he’ll be up over 75 pitches by the 4th. and be out of the game by the 5th.
But, will the Rays win tonight ??
by newenglandfootballfan on Sep 9, 2008 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You should be more concerned about Daisuke.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 9, 2008 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am.
He’s all over the place… makes me nervous. He may walk the bases loaded in the first inning… and then strike out a guy and get a double play. He drives me crazy. The thing is…. the opposition can’t seem to hit his stuff. He wins in spite of himself.
If Tampa has a chance at a win in this series, its certainly tonight.
by newenglandfootballfan on Sep 9, 2008 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's the spirit...
I wonder which Matsuzaka will show up tonight ? The Rays will make him put the ball over… make him throw a lot of pitches, he’ll be up over 75 pitches by the 4th. and be out of the game by the 5th.
Fixed that for ya. Do you think he gets upset that none of your fanbase can say his name right. I doubt it since he’s making like $10M to be a groundballing Edwin Jackson.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
by Sandy Kazmir on Sep 9, 2008 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure...
When he speaks to the media no one can understand him… he talks kinda funny… like he’s from Japan or something.
Your man Jackson is a bargain I’m sure and I’m also sure the Red Sox will overpay him when he becomes a free agent. What are ya gonna do ?
by newenglandfootballfan on Sep 9, 2008 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol rec'd that
jackson is alright but next year david price and wade davis are better
Evan Longoria=ROY. Andrew Friedman=Executive of the year. Joe Maddon=Manager of the year. David Price= the next best pitcher TB Rays fan 2002-the day i die!
by RaysOfHope on Sep 10, 2008 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Jays
I hear ya… the Jays swept the Rays in Toronto., they can be tough. The Sox get ‘em here for 3 and there for 3. The Rays go to Yankee Stadium while the Jays visit Fenway. We’ll see who comes out of the weekend better… the Sox or the Rays. Can’t wait.
I wouldn’t call the Trop exotic… would you ? You’re right, it will be tough to take 2 out of 3 down there but I ’d say the Sox are ready for the challange.
What is a death rattle ??
by newenglandfootballfan on Sep 9, 2008 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"What is a death rattle ??"
The sound of a ball after it leaves Wakefield’s hand and gets crushed by Aaron F’n Boone.
by rayweaver on Sep 9, 2008 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ohh...
I thought it might the sound that escapes from a choking baseball team.
My bad.
by newenglandfootballfan on Sep 9, 2008 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Leave Buckner out of this
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
by Sandy Kazmir on Sep 9, 2008 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Choking...
Something Sox fans are all too familiar with.
by rayweaver on Sep 9, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, that's swallowing
Vogt early, Vogt often.
by Brickhaus on Sep 9, 2008 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh motherfucking SNAP
No you dindnt’
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
by Sandy Kazmir on Sep 9, 2008 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Suck it Hard!
If you’re not sure how, just consult Papelbum.
by rayweaver on Sep 9, 2008 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Freefall
Suck it trollboy
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
by Sandy Kazmir on Sep 9, 2008 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Making the playoffs and what we do in the playoffs is FAR more importnat than if we get there by winning the division or via the wild card.
What we have to do is win about 7 of our next 20 games. Basically we have to play liek the Devil Rays of old from here on out and we will make it. We just cannot play worse than that.
by matthan on Sep 9, 2008 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No...
What the Rays want to do is wrap it up early, get their rotation in order and rest their starters. That’s why this losing streak is not good for Tampa Bay.
Please… do not invoke the Devil Rays of old… I’m eating.
by newenglandfootballfan on Sep 9, 2008 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rest what starters?
Half our team is resting on the DL right now. When they come back refreshed and hungry it’s gonna be tough for us to lose a game.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
by Sandy Kazmir on Sep 9, 2008 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No wonder the Rays can't win...
I had no idea that half your team is not playing. Which half is out ? My guess is – its the offensive half. Yes ??
If the Rays are already resting their starters , they’re ahead of the curve. Someone ought to tell Maddon that ya gotta clinch the Division first !! By the way, is Ray’s baseball guru Zip Zimmer
still alive ??
by newenglandfootballfan on Sep 9, 2008 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is why i hate all boston teams so much, ppl like you
papelbum did an amazing percival impression tonight, your bullpen is a piece of shit, also did you know that this wasnt the year that the rays were supposed to be competitive? just wait until you have to face david price in his prime, better get used to second place real quick, you 18-1 superbowl losers!
Evan Longoria=ROY. Andrew Friedman=Executive of the year. Joe Maddon=Manager of the year. David Price= the next best pitcher TB Rays fan 2002-the day i die!
by RaysOfHope on Sep 10, 2008 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What would be ideal and what has to be done are two different things
by matthan on Sep 9, 2008 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt
You’re right.. I was just being a jerk. It’s big deal that the Rays will make the playoffs this year and they deserve a lot of credit… management too. You get to the playoffs however possible and make the most of your chance at a world title.
by newenglandfootballfan on Sep 9, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They won!
Disaster averted
Now if they can win tonight we might be able to lock down the division afterwards.
Devil Rays World Series 2009
by Japhei on Sep 10, 2008 10:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
In front of the entire world the Rays beat Boston. I can safely say the division is in their hands.
Devil Rays World Series 2009
by Japhei on Sep 11, 2008 11:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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